Percutaneously introduced blood pump and related methods

Abstract

The present invention involves a blood pump having a pump housing with an internally disposed rotor that collectively provide a dual inflow capability which prevents thrombus formation and reduces hemolysis during use.

1 . A blood pump for percutaneous introduction into a patient, comprising: 
 a pump housing having at least two blood inlets, at least one blood outlet, and a rotor chamber extending between said two blood inlets and said blood outlet; and    a rotor disposed within said rotor chamber and operable to draw blood into said two blood inlets and direct blood out said blood outlet.    
   
   
       2 . The blood pump of  claim 1  and further, wherein said at least two blood inlets are disposed on opposing ends of said pump housing.  
   
   
       3 . The blood pump of  claim 2  and further, wherein said blood outlet is disposed generally between said at least two blood inlets.  
   
   
       4 . The blood pump of  claim 1  and further, including an outflow cannula coupled to said blood outlet.  
   
   
       5 . The blood pump of  claim 4  and further, wherein said outflow cannula is dimensioned to extend across a valve within the patient's heart.  
   
   
       6 . The blood pump of  claim 4  and further, wherein said cannula is dimensioned to extend through an opening created in the atrial septum of the patient's heart.  
   
   
       7 . The blood pump of  claim 4  and further, wherein said cannula is dimensioned to extend through an opening created in the aorta of the patient's heart.  
   
   
       8 . The blood pump of  claim 1  and further, wherein said pump housing and said rotor are equipped with cooperating magnets to position said rotor within said pump housing.  
   
   
       9 . The blood pump of  claim 1  and further, wherein said pumping housing and said rotor are equipped with thrust bearings.  
   
   
       10 . The blood pump of  claim 9  and further, wherein said thrust bearings includes a least one magnet.  
   
   
       11 . The blood pump of  claim 1  and further, including a protective cage disposed over at least one of said blood inlets.  
   
   
       12 . The blood pump of  claim 1  and further, including a control system for controlling the operation of said rotor.  
   
   
       13 . The blood pump of  claim 12  and further, wherein said control system including at least one battery coupled to an electric motor formed by magnets on said pump housing and said rotor.  
   
   
       14 . The blood pump of  claim 13  and further, wherein said battery is rechargeable.  
   
   
       15 . The blood pump of  claim 14  and further, wherein said battery is subcutaneous and said recharging is accomplished via an inductive coil.